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Seven Past Champions and Six Top-Ranked Players Among Early Commitments
SAN ANTONIO, TX — With General Admission ticket sales launching today, Valero Texas Open officials announced some early player commitments for the 144-man field that includes, seven past champions and six of the top-50 ranked players in the world who are planning to compete in San Antonio’s PGA TOUR stop on TPC San Antonio’s The Oaks course from March 29 - April 4, 2021, a week preceding The Masters tournament.
Tony Finau, World No. 14 and one of the hottest players in golf worldwide with five top-10 finishes in his last seven starts, including two runner-up finishes is currently the highest ranked player committed to the field.
Additional players currently ranked among the top-50 players in the world include Texan Ryan Palmer #26, San Antonio resident Abraham Ancer #28, Scottie Scheffler #30, Bernd Wiesberger #42 and fan favorite Matt Kuchar #49.
Past champions include 2019 winner and defending champion Corey Conners , who was unable to defend his title in 2020 when the Valero Texas Open was cancelled due to COVID-19 and the global health crisis. Seven of the nine champions since 2011 will be competing and include Andrew Landry (2018), Kevin Chappell (2017), Charley Hoffman (2016), Jimmy Walker (2015), Martin Laird (2013) and Brendan Steele (2011).
“Not only are we excited to be able to stage this year’s Valero Texas Open, but we are equally thrilled with the commitment from this group of elite players a month away from tournament week,” said Larson Segerdahl, Valero Texas Open Executive Director. “We look forward to hearing from other players in the coming weeks as we prepare to host the best players in the world and raise funds for those in need throughout the community.”
Other notable players currently on the field list are world No. 57 Matt Wallace , two-time TOUR winner Cameron Champ , four-time TOUR winner and Colombian Camilo Villegas , major champion Jason Dufner , 2012 FedExCup champion and 13-time TOUR winner Brandt Snedeker and former World No. 1 Luke Donald.
2021 European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington has accepted a Sponsor’s exemption. While the medalist of this weeks Cabo Collegiate NCAA men’s golf tournament, currently being played at TPC San Antonio, will also receive an exemption into this year’s Valero Texas Open.
PGA TOUR players have until Friday, March 26 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to commit and can withdraw at any time.
With the primary focus on the health and well-being of the community and all involved with the tournament, the spectator and sponsor experience at the event has been reimagined to ensure all State, local and PGA TOUR safety protocols are observed. Upgraded spectator hospitality experiences will be open-air, provide ample space for social distancing, and allow for intimate viewing while taking advantage of miles of front row seats throughout the golf course, along the rope line.
Daily General Admission tickets will be limited and are now available to the public.
As has been the case since October on the PGA TOUR, the traditional Pro-Am events (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday), essential for the tournament’s charitable endeavors, will be contested during the week, with new health and safety protocols, including COVID-19 tests for all participants prior to those competitions.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure the Valero Texas Open will be a great experience and continue to make a significant charitable impact in our community,” said Segerdahl. “While we were disappointed with last year’s event cancellation, we couldn’t be more excited to come back stronger as we get one year closer to our 100th anniversary in 2022.”
The Dash to the VTO presented by Humana Military will be held Saturday, March 27, leading up to tournament week. Participation for the popular 5K and one-mile run/walk event on the TPC San Antonio grounds will be limited to the first 700 participants which includes staggered corrals of groups of 25 to observe and manage social distancing safely. A fun event for the whole family, this race will also help raise funds and awareness for the Valero Texas Open’s Champions fore Charity fundraising campaign. Registration for this event is now open. Visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com/dashtothevto/ for more details.
Executing an event the size and scope of the Valero Texas Open requires a lot of support. The tournament is also now accepting volunteer registration to assist in staging the 2021 tournament. Individuals are encouraged to learn about each of the unique volunteer committees and their role in the tournament to determine their area of interest. Visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com/volunteers/ to learn more and register.
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, traditional events such as Night to Honor Our Heroes, Ladies Night, and the 19th Hole Fiesta will not be held.
Tournament officials will remain in constant communication with local authorities in the weeks ahead to ensure the latest health and safety guidance is observed and the well-being of tournament fans is the top priority.
Be sure to visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com for the latest updates on health and safety protocols as well as general tournament information, news and to purchase tickets.
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